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One of the worst things about traveling is feeling like you’ve wasted your time at a lame tourist trap. Even worse, many of those types of places are overpriced and unfriendly. Fortunately, I have spent years touring around Alabama’s Gulf Coast! I’m sharing with you my favorite places and letting you know what you simply can’t miss when you’re looking for things to do in Gulf Shores.
From traveling coastal birding trails to scuba diving sunken shipwrecks – you’ll find that there are countless things to do in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Most visitors come to the area for Alabama’s amazing beaches. However, there are so many other things to do in Gulf Shores besides just lounge on the powdery sand! In this post, you’ll find plenty of things to do on the water as well as ideas for you land lovers.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no cost to you, may earn me a small commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. Read my full disclosure policy.
The Gulf Shores area was largely inaccessible wetlands until the 1940s. Thanks to the completion of the Intercostal Waterway, by the early 1960’s Gulf Shores was thriving with family-owned grocery stores, restaurants, cottages, and motels for summer tourists.
Today, Gulf Shores is home to around 10,000 full-time residents, and welcomes more than 5 million tourists every year.
Orange Beach was settled in the late 1800’s by farmers and fisherman. The name, “Orange Beach” evolved over time due to the cultivation of Satsuma Oranges. However, anyone who’s watched the orange glow of the famous sunset here might have other ideas!
The name, “Orange Beach” evolved over time due to the cultivation of Satsuma Oranges. However, anyone who’s watched the orange glow of the famous sunset here might have other ideas!
Keep cool and stay stylish when you visit Gulf Shores, Alabama with this outfit ideas.
The Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores for wildlife enthusiasts. Established in 1980, the refuge is home to sea turtles, the endangered Alabama beach mouse, and various migrating birds. (Bon Secour Wildlife Refuge is a stop on the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail, so don’t forget to bring along your binoculars!)
While there are several trails around the Wildlife Refuge, I think exploring Gulf Shores’ back rivers and bayous by kayak is one of the best things to do in the area! My dad lives right on one of the bayous in Bon Secour and this is a favorite pastime of ours.
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the area at your own pace. While you’re paddling you’ll catch a glimpse of the river lifestyle – and will be reminded of an earlier, slower time.
Keep your eyes open for Spanish moss dangling from the trees, kids and their parents casting for their evening meal, and quirky docks that showcase individual personalities. You’ll also see homes that range from hurricane-ravaged shacks to historic Southern estates and modern million-dollar mansions.
Swift-Coles Historic House:
History lovers won’t want to miss the Swift-Coles Historic House, a beautiful southern home built around 1882 on the banks of the Bon Secour River.
This area has come a long way from when I first started vacationing in Gulf Shores. Not too many years ago, the park was just a run-down pier and some old, 1960s-era cabins.
Today, this 6,000-acre property includes two-miles of white sand beachfront and beautiful dunes covered in sea oats. It’s the perfect spot to take pics for Instagram or take a family photo shoot!
For those inclined to sleep in the great outdoors, don’t miss Gulf State Park’s newest lodging addition – their Primitive Campsites!
Nestled among tall pines, scrub oaks, and the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, you’ll find three individual campsites with old-school canvas tents.
Bring your bug spray, and get ready for fun-filled evenings grilling hotdogs and burgers, and making s’mores! The Park’s Camp Store, swimming pool, bike rentals, and bathhouse are accessible to all campers.
The Eagle Cottages, Lakeside Cabins, and the The Lodge (a Hilton property) are also wonderful lodging options at Gulf State Park!
The Fishing Pier at Gulf State Park is the largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama’s only public pier on the Gulf! The pier is a great place to take in the expansive view of the ocean. You’ll be entertained by the hungry birds that plague the fishermen. In addition, you stand a chance of seeing some sharks and stingray in the waters below attempting to steal the day’s fresh catch.
Don’t want to fish from the pier? Surf fishing is a popular all over Alabama’s beaches, but it’s super popular around this spot.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, head out on a jet ski around Wolf Bay in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. You’ll go through the backwaters and bays of Orange Beach and see various islands while you search for bottlenose dolphin.
Guided jet-ski tours with knowledgeable locals are also available.
Jet skiing not your thing? Happy Harbors rents pontoon boats as well as kayaks and paddleboards.
We make it a point to rent a pontoon boat or a jet ski every summer when we’re in Gulf Shores. It’s such a fun way to spend the day, and our dogs absolutely have a blast spotting dolphin!
It’s really cost effective as well. Your whole family can spend the day finding islands and relaxing on the water for just $400!
Heading out on a chartered fishing trip is one of the most popular things to do in Gulf Shores!
Outfitters offer everything from offshore, back bay, and deep-sea fishing charters. The common catches found in the waters at Orange Beach are Red Snapper, Amberjack, Triggerfish, Red Fish, Cobia, and King Mackerel.
Though any sort of chop will send me below deck, Drew and I love to take dolphin and whale cruises when we travel! Some of my favorite memories have been spotting whales in Alaska and watching dolphins play in our wake in Gulf Shores!
This sunset dolphin cruise takes around two hours as your knowledgeable guides spot dolphin in their natural habitat.
One of the best views of Alabama’s gorgeous beaches is from above! If you’re looking for more adventurous things to do in Gulf Shores, give parasailing a shot!
With Chute Em Up, flyers get 400 feet in the air over the Gulf of Mexico! What I love about Chute Em Up is that three people can go at once so you can experience the fun and sights with your family.
Big Lagoon State Park is just across the tall bridge (Perdido Pass) that connects Alabama to Florida. The park is a great spot for camping, hiking, or an afternoon or evening picnic.
When I think about snorkeling or diving, I generally think about the clear waters of the Caribbean. However, there are plenty of excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities around Gulf Shores!
For scuba diving, check out the two shipwrecks Lulu and Oriskany. These sites are a ways off shore, so you’ll want to go with an outfitter like Dive Under.
The LuLu is a 271-foot-long decommissioned freighter that was intentionally sunk in 2013 and is Alabama’s newest artificial reef. As part of the largest artificial reef program in the United States, it is now the home to red snapper, king mackerel, bluefish, cobia, and more! You will enjoy exploring the wreckage which includes lots of wide open spaces as well as many nooks and crannies for sea creatures to hide in.
While you’re around LuLu, don’t miss spotting barges, oil rigs, and people spearfishing from Vietnam-era army tanks.
If you want to dive from the shore, the two most popular spots are Whiskey Wreck (an old Spanish rum runner said to have sunk in 1920) and the Perdido Pass Jetties.
Whiskey Wreck is one of the only wrecks on the Gulf Coast that’s accessible from shore. It’s a great spot for newbie divers and snorkelers, as well! With abundant sea life, a location just 150-yards from shore, and a depth of only 25 feet, everyone is sure to have a good time.
The Perdido Pass Jetties in Orange Beach are a popular spot for snorkeling and shore diving. Go during an incoming tide – an hour or more before the peak – for best viewing.
Three artificial reefs were installed at Gulf State Park Beach and provide another fun spot for swimming with the fishes. The reefs are located at three access sites: Pavilion (30 15.083” W87 38.643’), Romar Beach (N30 15.621” W87 36.361”), and Alabama Point (N30 16.420” W87 32.520”).
For even more snorkeling, try Little Lagoon Pass Park which has easy public beach access and showcases a nice sea wall with a variety of sea life. Depths range from 2′-8′ making it an ideal spot for novice snorkelers.
Named one of the best stretches of sand in the world, Alabama’s coastline includes 32-miles of white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.
What makes the sand so beautiful in Gulf Shores? Well, thousands of years ago, quartz rocks tumbled their way down from the Appalachian Mountains, got knocked to bits in rivers and streams, and wound up creating the pristine white sand shoreline!
Thousands of years ago, quartz rocks tumbled their way down from the Appalachian Mountains, got knocked to bits, and wound up creating the pristine white sand shoreline!
Whether you plan on stirring things up with parasailing or kayaking, or taking it easy with a new beach read (check out some of my favorite book recommendations), there are things to do in Gulf Shores for everyone! While I don’t always love laying out in the sun during midday, I absolutely love strolling the beaches in the early mornings and at sunset.
Beach Equipment: Don’t feel like you need to lug everything with you; there is no shortage of beach outfitters available. They’ll help you with everything from beach bikes, buggies, beach wheelchairs, paddle boards, surf and skim boards, and all kinds of flotation devices. Many companies will offer delivery and pick-up service.
History lovers will definitely want to stop at Fort Morgan which saw action in the War of 1812 and the Civil War – but the views from the fort will appeal to everyone!
There is no shade out here so you’ll definitely want to bring some sunscreen, UV shield clothing, a large-brim sun hat, bug spray (or these convenient towelettes by OFF!), and some water. Dogs are also allowed at Fort Morgan and on a section of the beach which your entry ticket gives you access to. Plan to stay for awhile!
Grab your binoculars and get a look at some of the area’s migrating bird friends! The Alabama Coastal Birding Trail covers more than 200 miles. The trail includes six large loops, each of which designate a particular habitat. There are more than 50 stops along the trail, all with great descriptions of birds that call the spot home.
You’ll see spectacular species all year long, but spring is the best time to visit! Migration and breeding means that there is a ton of activity and the weather is mild. In the fall, however, you may catch a glimpse of a rare species migrating south for the winter!
Sea oat covered sand dunes are the norm along the coast, but those who venture inland are rewarded with beautiful live oaks, pines, freshwater lakes, rivers, and bayous – all just waiting to be explored.
Rent a bike or set out for an early morning run through the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system. Fifteen different trails wind through 27 miles of paved scenic paths and six different ecosystems.
The area is teeming with wildlife – alligators and white-tailed deer are commonly spotted. Click here for a trail map.
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View Alabama’s gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean from above on an exciting helicopter tour!
Scope out notable sights like Perdido Pass, Orange Beach islands, downtown Gulf Shores .., and maybe even spot a shark swimming below!
Create your own ABC’s The Bachelor / Bachelorette moment by making a heli tour into a surprise date night!
The tours are pretty customizable — and can range from 5-40 minutes.
Swim, boat, shop, bike, beach, relax….golf – all in one perfect location. When it comes to things to do, Gulf Shores really does have it all.
Craft Farms Golf Resort: The two public golf courses located at Craft Farms Golf Resort are the only courses in Alabama designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer. The two 18-hole courses have a distinctively coastal feel with massive live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, beautiful pine forests, lakes, creeks, and native wildlife.
Kiva Dunes Golf Course: Ranked the #1 public golf course in Alabama, Kiva Dunes Golf Course winds around sugar-white sand traps and natural dunes creating a challenging yet enjoyable experience for all skill levels.
Coastal Alabama Golf offers custom golf packages. Whether you want to plan the perfect bachelor’s trip or want to play with your family, Coastal Alabama Golf can build the right golf package for any budget and any group.
Tanger Outlets in Foley is a great place to spend a rainy day in Gulf Shores!
You’ll find all the favorites like American Eagle, Banana Republic Factory, Bath and Body Works, Coach, and J Crew Outlet.
Hit up the Lambert’s Throwed Rolls while you’re in the area for some tasty southern cooking.
I love to bring home Christmas ornaments from our travels. Our Christmas tree is now nothing but fun memories from our travels all over the world! I also love to support local artisans.
Whether you want to bring home the perfect memento to remember your trip, or are on the hunt to find a gift for a loved one, Coastal Arts Center in Orange Beach has you covered.
Here you can buy unique pieces made by local artists – no tacky bikini shot glass in sight.
If you prefer to make your own one-of-a-kind gift, sign up for their workshops in glass blowing or clay.
The Gulf Coast Arts Alliance holds Art Market events several times a year and it’s definitely a fun time for the whole family. If you’re in town during an Art Market, I highly suggest you take a look at some of the wonderful pieces created by talented local artists.
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The Wharf is one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores – away from the water! There are many restaurants (from local to chain, and casual to fine dining), bars (from daiquiri bars to boat bars), shopping (locally owned boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops), and even a zipline – so you’re bound to find something here to please everyone.
Check out The Wharf on Friday and Saturday nights (7-10pm) for “Dancing in the Street.” Get your weekend started right with a dance party along their Main Street. Admission is free and it’s fun for the whole family!
Fancy a jolt of caffeine, a tasty breakfast plate, or some local artwork? Try the Southern Grind Coffee House. The owner’s daughter is a vegan and so they have a lot of menu items that cater to plant-based eaters as well.
Last time I was in I bought the cutest necklace at Southern Grind — and I love that it reminds me of my home away from home!
I’ve written about all of my favorite places, so head over to my post on the Best Places to Eat in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama! But – here are some bonus bars that I can’t get enough of!
Big Beach Brewing Co: Get in on Alabama’s burgeoning craft brew scene! Gulf Shores has a wonderful craft brewery that’s kid friendly before dark. Grab a pint or give a flight a try at Big Beach Brewing Co.
I loved sitting outside at Big Beach enjoying a flight with my dad! I have tried several beers of theirs during my visits to the Gulf Coast, but Area 251, a hazy IPA, is my favorite! (Check out Fairhope Brewing Co. a few miles up the road in Fairhope, AL as well!
Flora-Bama: The Flora-Bama in Perdido Key is one of the most famous establishments along the Alabama and Florida coast. The bar has a history that goes back more than 50 years! Here, you can get on island time – one of the best things in the Gulf Shores!
Groove to some original music (both Jimmy Buffet and Taylor Hicks had their roots here) and try the local favorite – the Bushwhacker, a creamy drink with at least five kinds of liquor!
Don’t miss the Interstate Mullet Toss in April, the Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival in November, and the Polar Bear Dip every January 1st.
Blalock Seafood: Apt to try your hand at making your own gulf seafood platter? Do like the locals do and head over to Blalock Seafood to get everything you need from spices to today’s freshest catch – all at reasonable prices.
OWA is one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores for you thrill seekers! From big drops to family-friendly spins, OWA has 22 amusement park rides, midway games, and a 10,000 foot splash pad to keep you cool in the summer!
For adult thrill rides, don’t miss Air Racer and Rollin’ Thunder!
Downtown OWA is free and includes local shops and national chains like Wahlburger’s and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
And don’t miss Legends in Concert! the award-winning production straight from Las Vegas. Everyone will be wowed by the pitch perfect live vocals, signature choreography, and eerily similar appearances to the stars they portray.
Drive go karts, pilot bumper boats, and dominate a game of mini-golf or laser tag – at Adventure Island! While you’re there you’ll witness the eruption of their 5-story tall volcano –giving you a little taste of Las Vegas at the beach.
Both Daphne and Fairhope are known for their local shops, antique stores, cafes, art galleries, and fabulous restaurants.
Here are three restaurants you can’t miss in the area:
Baumhower’s Restaurant is owned by former Crimson Tide and Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Baumhower. Try the Hot Bama Brown Sandwich – named one of Alabama’s “100 Dishes to Eat Before You Die”!
Throw your diet out the window and head to Bill-E’s. Locals and vacationers alike flock to this no-frills restaurant where everyone can enjoy an afternoon or evening of live music and killer grub!
Grab a starter of Pimento Cheese & House-Made Chips, followed by the Comeback Chicken sandwich, and end with a decadent hot chocolate and caramel brownie.
One thing my taste buds know a lot about is fried chicken. Growing up in the south, it’s just in your blood. And the best fried chicken I’ve ever had (shhh, don’t tell my granny) is Champy’s.
They’re a regional chain with locations popping up all over from Chattanooga, TN on down to the Alabama coast in Daphne.
Here’s what you order, friends – it’s more than enough for sharing, or don’t – I won’t tell. Grab an order of the Mississippi Delta homemade hot tamales and the fried jalapeno basket (because fried pickle spears are gross) to start. For your main, get the two piece dark meat plate or some chicken strips. Each Champy’s also serves up a good selection of local brews….which leads me to….
While you’re in the area, why not go on a brewery tour?!
I haven’t made it to the taproom at Fairhope Brewing yet, but it’s definitely on my list. Their first batch of beer was brewed on December 21, 2012 – the end of the world according to the Mayans!
They said “If the world was going to end, then by God, we were going to have at least one batch of beer in a fermenter when it happened!” That 2012 batch, by the way, made Fairhope Brewing Lower Alabama’s first production craft brewery since prohibition!
Fairhope’s beers are sold all over Alabama, coastal Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle so this stop should be on your list if you make it up to Fairhope!
Interested in checking out what goes on behind the scenes at Fairhope Brewing Company? Sign up for their brewery tour, offered every Saturday at noon. It costs $15 per person and includes the tour and a souvenir pint glass filled with delicious, delicious beer. Send them an email to reserve your spot!
March:
Head in for Ballyhoo – a “fine arts festival and cultural exchange.”
April:
Locals and visitors alike sink their teeth into hot, juicy crawfish and dance to some of the best Zydeco bands from around the South during the Zydeco and Crawfish Festival. Don’t miss the arts and crafts vendors and children’s activities.
May:
For a decade, headliners like the Lumineers, The Killers, Billie Eilish, T-Pain, and Post Malone have made their way to Gulf Shores for the Hangout Music Festival.
October:
Mark your calendar because you simply can’t miss the Shrimp Festival – now in its 49th year. The event attracts more than 300,000 attendees from all over the world who come to enjoy music from national, regional and local acts – playing the blues, Motown, southern rock, jazz, zydeco and country.
Obviously you have to nosh on some shrimp while you’re enjoying the music! But don’t fill your belly too quickly; there are 50+ local and regional vendors that line the boardwalk at the public beach with tempting local flavor. Not to miss: Little Miss Shrimp Festival Pageant and Singing for Scholarships. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores every year!
November:
The Hangout’s Oyster Cook-Off Craft Spirits & Beer Weekend — This signature seafood & music event serves 100,000 oysters in one day to guests from all over the country! 2020’s celebrity guest is chef Michael Symon.
The Frank Brown Songwriters’ Festival showcases some of the outstanding songwriters throughout the United States with performances throughout Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Perdido Key, and Pensacola.
Check out the live music scene and never leave the beach! From pirate breakfasts for the kiddos, to raucous nights with 80s cover band Velcro Pygmies, to summer concerts featuring headliners like Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffet – there’s always something happening at The Hangout! Don’t miss the annual Hangout Music Festival in May!
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Gulf Shores with your kids! All summer, their merry band of pirates leads you and your family on a fun-filled adventure searching for treasure! Each show features treasure hunts, sing-alongs, games, and magic tricks!
If you fall in love with Alabama’s Gulf Coast consider adopting a sea turtle nest (around $50) to contribute to their viability in the area for years to come! Funds raised through the program are critical for purchasing new equipment, as well as providing education to the public.
Or dedicate some of your vacay time to voluntourism with the Alabama Coastal Foundation. Volunteer opportunities range from a variety of habitat cleanups including: building wood duck boxes and osprey platforms, coastal cleanups and recycling efforts, tree and marsh grass plantings, and removal of invasive species.
Dauphin (not Dolphin) Island is known for its abundance of wildlife, salt marshes, and unique vegetation. Because the island is the first land encountered by birds migrating from South America, many unusual species can be found in the Audubon Bird Sanctuary.
History buffs will love a visit to Fort Gaines, one of the key sites in the famous Battle of Mobile Bay where Admiral Farragut shouted his now-famous order, “Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!” Visitors to the fort will see original cannons, a blacksmith shop, kitchens, a museum, and tunnels.
Marine-life lovers will definitely enjoy a trip to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Estuarium. The public aquarium highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama and includes a 10,000 square foot exhibit hall, a 7,000-gallon stingray touch pool, and the Living Marsh Boardwalk. There are more than 30,000 gallons on display here and more than 100 species!
The Estuarium’s Boardwalk Talk series is a free program on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. These talks give you the opportunity to chat with experts, including researchers, graduate students, post-docs, educators, aquarists and technicians.
There are two ways to reach Dauphin Island: the Gordon Persons Bridge and the Mobile Bay Ferry.
The Mobile Bay Ferry connects Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island and is a quick 40-minute ride across Mobile Bay, making it an excellent day trip when you want to explore beyond Gulf Shores. Click here to check the Mobile Bay Ferry Schedule.
The ferry operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not take reservations. It’s recommended that you arrive 30-minutes to 1-hour prior to departure, especially in the summer when crowds are heavy. Also, the ferry may not run during foggy, stormy, or windy days.
Because of all of these factors, I generally recommend the second option of getting to Dauphin Island…
The second way to get to Dauphin Island is to take the Gordon Persons Bridge, a three-mile-long high-rise bridge.
Camping on Dauphin Island is sure to be on any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. The campground is located on 155 secluded acres giving you access to a private beach, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, and boat launches. There are 151 camping sites, 99 full-hookup sites, a full-service campground store, and an off-leash dog park.
As the name would imply, Bayou La Batre (By-luh-Ba-tree for those in the know) is steeped in Southern history and French influence. Tourists have been coming to Bayou La Batre since the late 1800s – believing its spring waters held medicinal properties.
Today, Bayou La Batre is the Seafood Capital of Alabama! Residents celebrate their fishing heritage with annual events such as the Blessing of the Fleet (held in May), Taste of the Bayou, and the Miss Seafood pageant.
Today, the 680-foot USS Alabama sits right off the interstate in Mobile. However, from 1943 to 1945, the USS Alabama fought in the Pacific theater during World War II.
If you’re a dog lover, don’t miss the monument to military service dogs.
> Lodging: $100 (wallet-friendly) vs $300+ (average) per night.
> Coffee: Around $4
> Dinner: $90 (two people) Wine, Appetizers, and Seafood Main Courses
> Beer: $7
Sarah hails from the land of fried chicken, sweet tea, buttered biscuits, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet…Alabama! She loves exploring undertouristed locations and sharing them with you.
Keep cool and stay stylish when you visit Gulf Shores, Alabama with these outfit ideas.
As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah.com) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travels. Thanks for your support!
— Sarah
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